The women’s team will face the Coyotes in Vermillion  S.D. at 3 p.m. Oakland (8-10, 2-4 Summit) heads into the contest following their 55-46 road win over Kansas City on Thursday night.  OU is currently last in the Summit League standings. South Dakota (8-10, 3-2 Summit) is tied for second in the league with IUPUI.

In their win over Kansas City, Oakland was led by two players who each turned in a career-high in points. Freshman Olivia Nash had 16, and junior Victoria Lipscomb chipped in 15.

Oakland’s scoring offense currently ranks last in the Summit League, only producing 56 points a night. However, on defense, the Grizzlies average nine steals and four blocks per contest, both second in the conference.

South Dakota is 2-0 all-time against Oakland, winning both games last season, their inaugural year in the conference. The Coyotes are coming off a 82-51 victory over Forty Wayne on Thursday night.  In that game, junior Polly Harrington scored 16 to lead SD. Harrington leads the Coyotes with 15 points per game at home, shooting an impressive 61 percent overall, including 85 percent from downtown.

The men’s team host South Dakota tonight at 6 p.m. The tilt marks the first time that Oakland (8-12, 3-3 Summit) has played two straight home games this season. This year Oakland has enjoyed a 5-0 mark inside the friendly confines of the O’rena.

The Golden Grizzlies are 37-3 over their past 40 Summit League games at home. OU is 2-0 all-time against South Dakota (7-12, 3-4 Summit) winning their last meeting on Feb. 25, 2012 84-77 in Vermillion. In that game, OU drained 14 3-pointers, with Reggie Hamilton and Travis Bader combining for 52 points.

On Thursday night, Oakland defeated Kansas City in the O’rena, 81-68. Junior Travis Bader led all scorers with 30 points, including five 3-pointers. Bader leads the nation with 78 threes, and has scored double digits in 14 straight games.

Drew Valentine turned in his best effort so far this year, posting 19 points and eight rebounds. Oakland’s only starting senior also swiped eight steals, a career-high and O’rena record. Sophomore Corey Petros had a double-double, scoring 16 and grabbing 10 rebounds.

On Thursday night, South Dakota dropped to 1-7 on the road, falling 62-60 to Fort Wayne. Senior Jeveol Myles, who averages 17 points per game in conference play for the Coyotes, had a tough day, going 2-15 from the floor and only scoring nine.

 

Contact Reporter Timothy Pontzer via email at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @timothy_pontzer